Back home in Panama City there is this little pizza shop, owned by a Greek family, called Athens Pizza. OMG, their stuff is amazing, anything you order is drool-worthy. The menu is definitely Mediterranean, and everything is fresh as fresh can be. According to my gourmet nephew, this place has “the best tzatziki sauce outside of Greece.” He’s right! Their sauce is outstanding, and very authentic.
What is tzatziki sauce?
The word tzatziki is a derivative of the Turkish word caciq, which in turn is related to other words in some Western Asian languages. A similar food is popular in many Balkan countries where it is served as a mezze, or as a side dish. Also, depending on the country, different herbs are used.
Basically, plain yogurt, seedless cucumber, garlic, salt and pepper. I personally like to drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle some fresh dill. Someone told me that dill is not 100% authentic. No worries, cooking is about innovation and taste.
And while we’re on the subject of innovation, let me make another suggestion: mint. Yup, I’ve used mint in my homemade tzatziki sauce mainly because I have an overabundance of it in my back yard. One of the reasons I grow mint is to make mint juleps; I just felt the need to confess.
Serving tzatziki:
You can use my authentic Greek tzatziki recipe as a dip, for carrots and veggies, or to go with grilled meats, think kebabs or grilled lamb. YUM!
If you were worried about how to make tzatziki sauce, this recipe is pretty easy. The only word of warning here is that you need to make sure that the cucumber is very dry when you mix it in with the tzatziki. Why? well, cucumber has a high water content which can make your dip watery, and that is the last thing you want. I also find that the English cucumbers also know as seedless cucumbers work best as they are mostly seedless and have a very tender skin.
Oh, and the garlic. As far as this ingredient is concerned, I am leaving it totally up to you. I have a friend who LOVES garlic, as in there are no evil spirits in her house LOVE. I have a more temperate relationship with garlic, so I use it with caution.
Tzatziki sauce step by step photos:
- Gather all your ingredients and have them measured out and ready to go.
- Grate half of the English or seedless cucumber on a fine grater.
- Place the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. You can also press into a very fine strainer also.
- You will have a moist pulp as shown and it will be about 1/4 cup.
- In a large bowl add the plain Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, minced garlic, nutmeg and optionally the chopped dill.
- Finally add in the cucumber then stir to fully combine.
Frequently asked questions:
- How long can I store the tzatziki? This will store nicely in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days. You may get a little water separation from the cucumber but just give it a stir to combine.
- What can I serve this with? This is a very versatile sauce and I typically serve with grilled lamb, beef or chicken kebabs wrapped in pita. We also use it as a dip for veggie trays. It goes great on grilled burgers instead of the traditional ketchup and mustard.
In the meantime, why don’t you make some? Let me know how you like it, and also if you added any extra ingredients.
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Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
A delicious and healthy Greek sauce to complement any of your grilled needs or veggies. Made with yogurt, garlic and cucumber.
Ingredients
- 2 cups yogurt Greek, plain
- 1/2 cucumber seedless, peeled and grated fine
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper cracked
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tbsp dill fresh, chopped (optional)
- 1 dash nutmeg
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
mint for garnish - optional
Instructions
Grate the cucumber with a fine grater.
Place the grated cucumber in a strainer or cheese cloth and gently squeeze down to remove as much water as possible. You should have a moist pulp when done.
- In a bowl place the Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and garlic, then stir to combine.
Add in the cucumber, then stir in the dill, and the nutmeg. Drizzle with olive oil, and top with chopped mint if desired.
Originally published July 2017 and updated June 2020.
Karly
Allll the veggie dips, please. This one’s defnitely making an appearance at the enxt party!
Analida
Thanks Karly. It is one of our favorites.
Iryna
I adore tzatziki. It goes well with everything!
Billy
This looks so delicious. Love Tzatziki sauce but have never made it at home. Definitely love all the dill-filled sauces like this one. Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to make it!
Analida
Hi Billy! Thanks for commenting. let me know how you like it.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
I like the idea of mint in tzatziki very much! It looks great! And although I don’t like cucumbers, I’ve always liked tzatziki. Don’ know why 😉 .
Analida
Hi Nicoletta! I am the same way. Cucumbers are not my favorite, but for some reason I like tzatziki. 🙂
Abby @ WinsteadWandering
I used to live across the street from a pretty famous Greek restaurant but, unfortunately, I never really appreciated all that meant until we moved. I don’t think I’ve had good tzatziki sauce since. Thanks for the recipe!
Analida
You are welcome Abby. I hope you have a chance to make it.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
This sauce is so good on LOTS of things. I could just eat it by the spoonful. I have made it at home too. It is easy….and this sounds delicious.
Analida
Thanks Gloria! I think tzatziki is so versatile. 🙂
Kate
Delicious! I love tzatziki sauce. THis recipe looks perfect. I need to make some falafel to go with this lovely sauce!
Analida
Kate, yes, tzatziki sauce would be awesome with falafel. Now I am going I am going to have to make falafel too. 🙂
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
i usually never add nutmeg but i will give it a try with it.
tzatziki sauce is the best.
Analida
Hi Dixya! Yes, tzatziki IS the best. Let me know how you like it with nutmeg. 🙂
Jenni
Tzatziki is such a great dip! Love the hint of mint in there, too!
Analida
Hi Jenni! Thanks for commenting.
Yes mint is great. 🙂
Sharon
Tzatziki sauce is so good I could eat it on almost everything. This is a great and simple recipe so I could easily make it at home. Delicious!
Analida
Hi Sharon, yes, tzatziki is so good. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
TaraTeaspoon
Such a great sauce ! I could seriously put it on everything I eat … there’s nothing like it !
Analida
Thanks Tara. Yes, I also think tzatziki goes great with everything. 🙂
Matt Kearns
I love tzatziki! This recipe is so easy to throw together, and it’s super healthy too!
Analida
Matt, I also think tzatziki is great with everything.
Stacey
I love how much flavor there is in Tzatziki, one of my favorites!
Analida
Yes, so much flavor, and such simple ingredients. 🙂
Veronika's Kitchen
Love this recipe! This is exactly what I need now during the spring/summer time) will save the page for later)
Analida
Hope you like it Veronika.
Juli
I love tzatziki sauce! I always add a splash of lemon juice to mine and a pinch of cumin if serving with middle eastern food.
Analida
That sounds wonderful!
Sues
I love tzatziki and don’t make it nearly enough… This one looks absolutely perfect. I’d be putting it on everything!